The reason why Justin Bieber performed at the Grammys in just his underwear
After a long fight with Ramsay Hunt syndrome, Bieber used the 2026 Grammys to prove his health is back while giving his new brand a debut.
The lights dimmed at the Crypto.com Arena, and for a moment, the high-energy aura of the Grammy Awards paused. When the spotlight finally landed on Justin Bieber, the collective gasp from the audience was audible. Standing alone on stage for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards on February 1, 2026, the global superstar was wearing one of the most eye-catching outfits we had seen on stage for a while. He was wearing nothing but a pair of lavender satin boxer shorts and plain socks.
What happened
Bieber gave a heartfelt performance of his song “Yukon” at the 2026 Grammys, wearing just a pair of socks and a sparkly, SKYLRK boxer. While the performance was musically stripped down, his unexpected outfit garnered attention on social media.
This performance was far more than a simple wardrobe choice. It was the return of Just Bieber that many fans had given up on. This marked Bieber’s first time on the Grammy stage in four years. Since 2022, he had mostly been away from music because he was dealing with a health issue (Ramsay Hunt syndrome), which caused some paralysis in his face. As a result, he had to cancel his world tour and focus on recovering his health. During this time away, he also became a father, which further pulled him away from the busy life in showbusiness.
His performance proved he had fully recovered and was back to his best form, both physically and vocally. By leaving out backup dancers and elaborate light shows, he invited the audience to focus entirely on him.
Reasons he wore just ‘underwear’
Although it might have looked spontaneous, there were several reasons behind his choice to wear this particular underwear. The biggest factor was the launch of Skylrk, Bieber’s new fashion label that debuted in 2025. The lavender boxers featured a visible, crystal-encrusted logo all over.
Having moved away from his previous brand, Drew House, Bieber has been building Skylrk as a more premium, personal venture. By appearing in the brand’s signature intimates, he ensured the label was the top trending topic of the night.
Beyond the business, his choice carried deep symbolic significance. His latest album, “Swag,” has garnered critical acclaim for embracing a raw and unrefined R&B sound. Performing in his underwear served as a literal interpretation of this stripped-back musical era. It was a way to align his visual identity with the honest, vulnerable themes in his new lyrics.
Moreover, for someone who spent years struggling with a health condition that affected his face and body control, being willing to stand exposed in front of millions was a powerful act of physical reclamation. It showed that he no longer felt the need to hide behind flashy clothes.
Why this matters
Justin’s appearance challenges the expectations of male artists in pop music. Typically, we see male performers wearing sharp suits and stylish clothes, while female artists often use their outfits to express emotions or make a statement. By appearing relaxed and underdressed on such a grand stage, Justin challenges traditional norms about masculinity in the music industry. His approach encourages fans and critics alike to question how much of a celebrity’s polished appearance is merely a facade.
On the stage, Bieber connected his personal health journey with his music career. In a world where award shows are often prepared and rehearsed in a particular manner, his decision to appear authentically was impressive. It also sets a new bar for how artists can use their own vulnerability to sell a product without relying on typical advertisements. This also implies that, in today’s media world, being honest, even if it’s a bit uncomfortable, holds more value than merely looking perfect.
Regardless of what people thought about his appearance, it successfully caught the people’s attention on his own terms.
